AUSTIN — With Super Bowl party plans nearing the goal line, the Texas Department of Transportation reminds football fans to drive sober or not at all.

“The Super Bowl is the biggest game of the year and a great time for a party, but it’s no excuse to be irresponsible and kill yourself or someone else,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “If your festivities include drinking, it’s your responsibility to plan ahead for a sober ride. Don’t put yourself and others at risk.”

On Super Bowl Sunday 2014, there were 128 DUI alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas resulting in eight fatalities and 12 serious injuries. Those crashes marked a 14-percent increase compared with 2013 and the lives lost were somebody’s loved ones.

In 2014, there were more than 3,450 fatalities on Texas roadways. Of those fatalities, more than 1,035 involved alcohol.As impaired driving continues to be a major – and often tragic – problem in Texas, TxDOT remains vigilant in its efforts to remind drivers of the severe consequences of taking the wheel while under the influence. Drivers arrested for DWI can face jail time and up to $17,000 in court costs and legal fees.

As part of its annual Football Impaired Driving Campaign, TxDOT toured the state in the Fan Van — a giant football on wheels — to encourage fans to have a game plan for a sober ride. The van made appearances at more than a dozen college football tailgate parties, bars and restaurants during football season, and encouraged fans to make a sober-ride pledge. Those who make a sober ride pledge by Feb. 1 have a chance to win a trip to pro football’s Big Game in the San Francisco area on Feb. 7, 2016. Details and information about various ways to pledge can be found at TexasGamePlan.com.

Public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing services are other alternatives to driving impaired and causing a crash. Visit SoberRides.org for more sober-ride options and do your part to keep Texas roads safe.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Jan. 26, 2015.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, we deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.